Looking at the Positives from the Pandemic

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Perhaps you are shocked at the title from this newsletter. If so, that is understandable.? I’m about to take what you might see as an unpopular or contrarian stance.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused tremendous pain, suffering, confusion, and anxiety. It has caused economic upheaval, unprecedented loneliness, and many deaths.? The last I read nearly 1/3 of everyone in the U.S. knows someone who has died of Covid-19. What I am about to say next is not meant to minimize or deny any of this.

AND

The list of positives that have and will come from the pandemic, even with all of the challenge, pain and strife are significant.? Here is a very short list to make my point:

• Many people have reconnected with their families in ways they didn’t think was possible.
• People found new hobbies and activities to create more meaning in their lives.
• People have a new view of what work could be and how to create that for themselves.
• Emissions were reduced with less commuting.
• New approaches and speed in drug research were tried - and much has been learned as a result.

I am not suggesting that knowing everything we know today that we would or should make the trade of the negatives to achieve those positives. The fact is that isn’t an option. Covid-19 did arrive, and negative outcomes ensued. But positives came too. Did you see them??

Asking about fairness or justice, or even pointing blame isn’t helpful.?

There are some questions worth considering – questions only you can answer for yourself.?

• Have you noticed, thought about, and been thankful for any positives in this yucky Covid situation?
• Do you notice or think about or look for the positives in any negative situation?
• Have you ever looked back at a dark time in your life and found beneficial things that came from that challenging time?

And after considering these questions, think about these:

• In which case will you be happier, healthier, more resilient, and adaptable – remaining focused solely on the negatives of a situation, or looking for a balanced view?
• Might you have gotten through past challenging times a bit easier if you had noticed the positives that were coming with the pain?
• Would you like a way to be more grateful for what you have, even if things aren’t…perfect?

If we could roll back the clock, we wouldn’t wish or hope for a pandemic. But that doesn’t mean positives haven’t come from it. The question is will/do you see, look for and value those good things.

I believe that when we look for and are grateful for the positives, we are better suited and able to deal with the challenges.? That makes gratitude more than a nice thing to do, or something to think about during a holiday season.?

And that is why I have created the Remarkable Gratitude Challenge .? It is a 45-day process to help you build the practice of gratitude -to help you find, notice and benefit from the things around you that make your day, week, and life better. We start Monday November 15, and I hope you can join us .?

Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments. Specifically I would like to know what positives have come from the pandemic for you?

Enjoy the rest of your week – the links to the resources below will extend this article and support you in getting Remarkable Results.

You are Remarkable!

Kevin ??

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